Vanilla beans

Description

Vanilla beans are dark brown, shiny pods with a soft, slightly sticky surface and an intense, warm aroma with creamy, floral, and slightly woody notes; the interior is filled with tiny black seeds rich in concentrated fragrance. Nutritionally, vanilla beans provide few calories and only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, but the aromatic compounds they contain, including vanillin, exhibit antioxidant properties and are linked to alleviating inflammation as well as having a positive effect on mood and digestion. In the kitchen, vanilla pairs perfectly with desserts such as creams, ice creams, cakes, sauces, and custards, but it also adds a noble touch to savory dishes and beverages; the pods can be slit open, scraped for seeds, or macerated in liquids. They should be stored in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, and dry place away from moisture and heat sources; refrigeration is not recommended as it causes them to dry out, but they can be preserved in sugar or alcohol.